Harrodsburg Road's double-crossover diamond interchange wins award

A revamped interchange that opened last fall at Harrodsburg and New Circle roads in Lexington has won a regional award.

The U.S. 68 double-crossover diamond, as the project is called, was recognized for best use of innovation, small project, in the America's Transportation Awards competition.

The redesign, which eliminates left turns across traffic, has reduced congestion and cut the number of crashes nearly in half along that portion of Harrodsburg Road.

It is the first double-crossover diamond in the state and one of just six in the nation, but the state Transportation Cabinet plans to use the design at two other places, and others are being considered.

The William H. Natcher Parkway Extension project in Bowling Green was a winner in the competition, in the ahead of schedule category, medium project.

"I am very proud of our project teams and gratified that their fine work has been recognized outside our commonwealth," Kentucky Transportation Secretary Mike Hancock said in a news release. "Innovative designs and timely completion of projects are indispensable as we work to deliver a quality highway program for the citizens of Kentucky."

Related stories from Lexington Herald-Leader

The design for the Harrodsburg Road interchange at New Circle Road, called double crossover diamond, eliminates left turns that require drivers to cross in front of oncoming traffic. Instead, it gives drivers on New Circle Road access to Harrodsburg Road in the left lanes.

Harrodsburg Rd. reopened to traffic Sunday morning following completion of the double diamond crossover interchange at New Circle Rd. in Lexington, Ky., Sunday, August 14, 2011. Photo by Matt Goins

Work continued Aug. 13 on Harrodsburg Road's new double diamond crossover interchange at New Circle Road. The diamond opened Aug. 14.

Work continued on Harrodsburg Rd. during completion of the double diamond crossover in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, August 13, 2011. Photo by Matt Goins 12462

1 of 4

Never miss a local story.

Sign up today for a free 30 day free trial of unlimited digital access.